Satya Nadella in Contract Talks With Microsoft Board

CEO Appointment Could Lead to a New Role for Bill Gates

Microsoft Corp.'s board is in contract negotiations with veteran executive Satya Nadella to become the software company's next chief executive, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Mr. Nadella's appointment could lead to a new role for Bill Gates, Microsoft's co-founder and chairman. Mr. Nadella has asked that Mr. Gates "spend more time on technology and strategy" to assist him as CEO, according to person...